Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Sep 15: Former MLA Pramod Madhwaraj speaking to media people on Sunday, September 15, from the sideline of a programme, reacting on revised Motor Vehicle Act said, “It was implemented within no time and increased the fine rates. It becomes burden for general public and it is very wrong. The Union government is supposed to do it phase by phase. This kind of act shows that the Central government is brainless.”
Replying to a query on economic downfall in the country, Pramod said, “Today none of the citizens of India are happy. Everyone’s income has gone low. Employees have lost jobs. Youngsters are not getting new jobs. The country is facing a dangerous situation. That’s why all say, “If there is no economist like Manmohan Singh, the country will not develop”. If there is no expert like him, the current situation is the best example for how an economic condition can reach its nadir.”
To query on sand issue, Pramod said, “Sand issue was pending at NGT court, when I was the district in-charge minister. I have spoken to official Jayachandra and advocate Ashok Devraj from Chennai. I have succeeded in getting 165 permits in 28 blocks from the central and state governments. About six lac tonnes of sand is extracted from the river out of the nine lac tonnes of sand. Sand was available till the end of my ministerial term. But the opposition party leaders have given false information to the public on me during assembly election saying that I was the reason for the sand crisis.
“I want to say that sand was available only during my period. After that, we are unable to get sand since 15 months. Many people are suffering due to the sand shortage. The opposition leaders have targeted me to hide their failures. They have claimed that I am involved in M-sand business. But I have never seen M sand. I do not know about Malaysian sand. They have made false allegations on me. I would say that today people have completely failed to get sand. Now all the secrets are revealed.
“On behalf of the public I am pressurizing you that the public should get the sand in the same way, when they used to get when I was the minister. Building construction workers must benefit by this. It should not be transported to other districts like how I have prevented the same. The problem is created due to some legal issues. The law should be changed. It requires amendments, which can be brought about by the efforts of local MP and MLAs.”